THERE have been no outrageous demands by acts booked for the Soul in The Sun festival set for Montego Bay from October 10-12.

The line-up comprises Regina Belle, Howard Hewett, Freddie Jackson, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osbourne, Dru Hill, Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat and the group Silk.

Executive producer of the event, Junior Taylor, told Splash that based on the manner in which the artistes were contracted there have been no over-the-top demands.

“Keith Sweat has been very instrumental in putting together this line-up. Because of this, the agreements have been done in a very direct and personal manner. There are no ridiculous requests from this group of artistes,” said Taylor. “There can be no no-shows on the grounds that the artistes have not been paid their fees.”

Taylor pointed out that all the acts agreed to have their images projected on the jumbo screens at The Aqueduct, venue for the festival. This would prevent the fiasco which occurred at the 2006 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival when Rhythm and Blues star Diana Ross refused to have her image projected on the screens, which led to her being booed by patrons.

Local artistes Richie Stephens and the quartet LUST (Lukie D, Thriller U, Singing Melody and Tony Curtis) are also on the festival which closes with a beach party.

“We are looking into the possibility of adding a couple more local — one on each night– but we are mindful that we want to finish at a reasonable hour. Padding the opening hours of the festival could lead to problems at the back end,” said Taylor.